History

Limoneira Company has been growing in Ventura County since 1893. Its founders were pioneers of spirit and vision that helped lay the foundations of a thriving California citrus industry. Their dedication and innovation in the agricultural industry helped found and develop many institutions that exist today.

The formation of Limoneira Company had its beginnings when Nathan W. Blanchard and Wallace L. Hardison purchased 413 acres of land from J.K. Gries in 1893. The company was named Limoneira, meaning lemon lands in Portuguese. The primary crops were lemons, Valencia oranges, and walnuts at that time.

Limoneira Company entered the new century with a growing work force and prosperity. The employment of C.C. Teague as the first General Manager in 1901 had a lasting impact on the development and success of the company. Teague’s leadership and innovation set the standards for farming practices. C.C. Teague went on to become Chairman of Sunkist and founded many organizations including Diamond Walnut.

By the 1920’s, the company’s acreage under cultivation had quadrupled in less than 30 years and numerous building and expansion projects were underway. It was the solid base created in the previous 30 years and strong leadership that pulled the company through the Depression and the challenges of the 1940’s. Despite these difficulties, the company continued to grow. In the years to come, Limoneira Company would provide leadership and direction in the growing California citrus industry.

Today, with rich agricultural lands and operations throughout California, the company has nearly 11,000 acres in agricultural production of lemons, avocados, oranges, specialty citrus, pistachios, pluots, and cherries. The foresight and innovation of Limoneira’s founders remains strong today with Limoneira’s continuous commitment to new technology and state of the art farming practices. Limoneira continues to lead industry, by setting farming standards and providing solid leadership grounded in years of experience.